They were getting along like a house on fire. And so, naturally. Albert Ndreu, 26, planned to propose by spelling out “marry me?” in candles.
After spending two weeks meticulously planning the proposal, Mr Ndreu, who works as a waiter, filled the living room of the flat he shares with Valerija Madevic with 100 tealights and about 60 balloons.
He then left to pick up Ms Madevic to bring her home from work for the surprise. When they returned, the property was ablaze. Three fire crews rushed to the scene after Ms Madevic saw clouds of dark smoke coming from the door of their flat in Sheffield.
The fire gutted their studio flat, with a laptop, a speaker and some books burnt. Mr Ndreu, however,